Performance prediction method, system, medium and equipment for proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell

Abstract

The invention discloses a method, a system, a medium and equipment for predicting reduction of operation performance of a proton exchange membrane electrolytic bath, and the method comprises the steps: building an equivalent two-dimensional model of a catalytic layer invading a porous transport layer according to a water-swelling catalytic layer pushed by gas in the operation process of the proton exchange membrane electrolytic bath, and setting the invasion thickness delta + as a computational domain; the method comprises the following steps: dividing a water swelling catalyst layer into m equal-length small sections di, enabling delta + to be equal to mdi, calculating the change of the invasion thickness along with time, combining the invasion time required by each section di, accumulating to obtain a curve of the invasion thickness of the catalyst layer along with time, and putting the thickness of the invaded water swelling catalyst layer into a one-dimensional electrolysis model to obtain the change of the reduction of the operation performance of the electrolytic cell along with time.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and particularly relates to a method, system, medium and equipment for predicting performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. BACKGROUND

[0002] The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is a high-efficiency water electrolysis hydrogen production device. In its internal structure, the anode undergoes an oxygen evolution reaction, and the cathode undergoes a hydrogen evolution reaction. During operation, the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is immersed in liquid water, and the ionomer in the catalyst layer absorbs water and becomes soft, resulting in a decrease in the structural strength of the catalyst layer. At the same time, the oxygen and hydrogen produced by electrolysis continuously flow from the catalyst layer to the porous transport layer. According to Darcy's law, there is a pressure difference from the inside to the outside in the catalyst layer. Under the action of the pressure difference, the catalyst layer moves towards the porous transport layer. Since the pore diameter of the porous transport layer is larger than that of the catalyst layer, the catalyst layer gradually invades the pores of the porous transport layer, resulting in a change in the thickness of the catalyst layer.

[0003] The change in the thickness of the catalyst layer invading the porous transport layer directly affects the operating performance and service life of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and is most obvious at the initial stage of electrolyzer operation. Therefore, accurately calculating the relationship between the invasion thickness and time is of great significance for the design, optimization and maintenance of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. However, there is a lack of a method for effectively calculating the change in the thickness of the catalyst layer invading the porous transport layer over time in the prior art, which cannot provide reliable basis for performance analysis of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer.

[0004] The above information disclosed in the background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the present application, and therefore can include information that is not prior art that is already known to those of ordinary skill in the art. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a method, system, medium and equipment for predicting performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. The thrust of the invasion is calculated based on Darcy's law, and a correlation calculation formula of the invasion speed and the thrust is given based on the properties of the catalyst layer as a high-viscosity fluid and an elastic entity. The change curve of the thickness over time can be obtained by calculating the time consumed by the invasion. The thickness of the invaded catalyst layer is substituted into a one-dimensional electrolysis model to calculate the change of the performance degradation of the electrolyzer over time at the initial stage, thereby providing support for the performance research and optimization of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer.

[0006] A method for predicting performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer includes:

[0007] An equivalent two-dimensional model of the catalyst layer invading the porous transport layer is established according to the gas pushing the water-swollen catalyst layer during the operation of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. In the model, the fibers of the porous transport layer are simplified as circular structures, and the distance h between adjacent fibers is calculated according to the porosity ε and the fiber radius r of the porous transport layer.

[0008] ,

[0009] Set the invasion thickness δ + As the calculation domain, and divide it into m equal length small pieces d i So that δ + =m•d i , Calculate the change of invasion thickness with time, , Combined with the required invasion time of each piece d i , Accumulate to get the curve of the change of the catalyst layer invasion thickness with time,

[0010] ,

[0011] Where ΔP(i) is the pressure loss of the outflow gas in the catalyst layer, K(i) is the absolute permeability of the catalyst layer, δ is the original thickness of the water-swollen catalyst layer, δ * (i) is the average swelling thickness of the water-swollen catalyst layer, ε cl is the initial porosity of the water-swollen catalyst layer, V ion is the initial volume fraction of ionomer in the water-swollen catalyst layer, k t is the reference thrust coefficient;

[0012] Put the thickness of the water-swollen catalyst layer after invasion into a one-dimensional electrolysis model to get the change of the electrolytic cell performance degradation with time.

[0013] In the one-dimensional electrolysis model, the pressure loss of the outflow gas in the water-swollen catalyst layer includes the non-invasion layer gas pressure loss ΔP δ (i) and the invasion layer gas pressure loss ΔP + (i). According to the gas Darcy law, the non-invasion layer gas pressure loss ΔP δ (i) is:

[0014] ,

[0015] ,

[0016] ,

[0017] ,

[0018] Divide the invasion layer into n small pieces so that n•d j =i•d i , The invasion layer gas pressure loss ΔP + (i) is;

[0019]

[0020]

[0021]

[0022] ,

[0023] µ g viscosity of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer, v δ average flow velocity of the non-intruding layer gas, v + (j) average flow velocity of each small section of the intruding layer, v g velocity of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer,

[0024] ,

[0025] wherein v O2 / H2 flow velocity of hydrogen and oxygen flowing out of the catalyst layer calculated by Faraday's law, X H2O mole fraction of water vapor in the gas.

[0026] The method for predicting the decline in the operating performance of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, wherein the velocity of the water-swollen catalyst layer intrusion v cl (i) is directly proportional to the thrust.

[0027] The method for predicting the decline in the operating performance of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, wherein the one-dimensional electrolysis model is a model constructed based on electrochemical reaction kinetics and mass and heat transfer principles.

[0028] The method for predicting the decline in the operating performance of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, wherein the error in the obtained decline in the operating performance of the electrolyzer over time is less than 3%.

[0029] The method for predicting the decline in the operating performance of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, wherein a pressure difference exists inside the water-swollen catalyst layer from inside to outside, and under the action of the pressure difference, the water-swollen catalyst layer moves towards the porous transport layer.

[0030] The method for predicting the decline in the operating performance of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, wherein the pore diameter of the porous transport layer is greater than that of the water-swollen catalyst layer.

[0031] A system for implementing the method comprises:

[0032] a modeling module for establishing an equivalent two-dimensional model of the intrusion of the catalyst layer into the porous transport layer according to the water-swollen catalyst layer being pushed by the gas during the operation of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, wherein the fibers of the porous transport layer are simplified into a circular structure, and the distance h between adjacent fibers is calculated according to the porosity ε and the fiber radius r of the porous transport layer;

[0033] ,

[0034] The calculation module sets the intrusion thickness δ. + The computational domain is divided into m equal segments d. i , so that δ + =m•d i Calculate the change in intrusion thickness over time. Combined with each segment d i The required invasion time was summed to obtain a curve showing the change in catalyst layer invasion thickness over time.

[0035] ,

[0036] Where ΔP(i) is the pressure loss of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer, K(i) is the absolute permeability of the catalyst layer, δ is the original thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer, and δ * (i) represents the average expansion thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer, ε cl V represents the initial porosity of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer. ion k represents the initial volume fraction of the ionomer in the water-absorbing and swelling catalyst layer. t For reference thrust coefficient;

[0037] The prediction module inputs the thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer after invasion into a one-dimensional electrolysis model to obtain the change in the electrolyzer's operating performance over time.

[0038] A computer storage medium including computer instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method.

[0039] An electronic device, the electronic device comprising:

[0040] Memory, processor, and computer programs stored in memory and executable on the processor, wherein,

[0041] The processor implements the method when executing the program.

[0042] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: it can calculate the change of the thickness of the catalyst layer invading the porous transport layer over time, and can predict the performance decline of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer in the early stage of operation through a one-dimensional electrolysis model, providing an important basis for the design optimization, operation and maintenance and performance evaluation of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and improving the operation stability and service life of the electrolyzer. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Various other advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings.

[0044] In the attached diagram:

[0045] Figure 1 The flowchart shows the method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer during the initial operation phase.

[0046] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a two-dimensional model of the catalytic layer invading the porous transport layer;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the computational domain and partitioning method of the model;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a comparison chart of the error between the experimental results and the prediction results of the calculation method of this invention.

[0049] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While specific embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0051] It should be noted that certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific components. Those skilled in the art will understand that different terms may be used to refer to the same component. This specification and claims do not distinguish components based on differences in terminology, but rather on differences in function. The terms "comprising" or "including" used throughout the specification and claims are open-ended and should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to." The following descriptions are preferred embodiments for carrying out the invention; however, these descriptions are for the purpose of understanding the general principles of the specification and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of protection of this invention is determined by the appended claims.

[0052] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, further explanations and descriptions will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer includes the following steps:

[0054] Based on the gas-driven water absorption and expansion of the catalyst layer during the operation of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, an equivalent two-dimensional model of the catalyst layer invading the porous transport layer is established, simplifying the three-dimensional invasion process into a two-dimensional model. In this model, the porous transport layer fibers are simplified to circular structures, and the spacing h between adjacent fibers is calculated based on the porosity ε of the porous transport layer and the fiber radius r.

[0055] ,

[0056] Set the intrusion thickness δ + The computational domain is divided into m equal segments d. i , so that δ + =m•d i Calculate the change in intrusion thickness over time. Combined with each segment d i The required invasion time was summed to obtain a curve showing the change in catalyst layer invasion thickness over time.

[0057] ,

[0058] Where ΔP(i) is the pressure loss of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer, K(i) is the absolute permeability of the catalyst layer, δ is the original thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer, and δ * (i) represents the average expansion thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer, ε cl V represents the initial porosity of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer. ion k represents the initial volume fraction of the ionomer in the water-absorbing and swelling catalyst layer. t For reference thrust coefficient;

[0059] Substituting the thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer after invasion into a one-dimensional electrolysis model established based on the thicknesses of the catalyst layer, porous transport layer, and proton exchange membrane, the change in the electrolyzer's operating performance over time was obtained.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, the pressure loss of the gas flowing out of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer includes the pressure loss ΔP of the gas in the non-intrusion layer. δ (i) and the gas pressure loss ΔP in the intrusion layer + (i). According to Darcy's law for gases, the pressure loss ΔP of the non-intrusion layer gas is... δ (i) is:

[0061] ,

[0062] ,

[0063] ,

[0064] ,

[0065] Divide the intrusion layer into n small segments such that n•d j =i•d i Intrusion layer gas pressure loss ΔP + (i) is;

[0066]

[0067]

[0068]

[0069] ,

[0070] µ g v is the dynamic viscosity of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer. δ v is the average flow velocity of the gas in the non-intrusion layer. + (j) represents the average gas velocity in each small segment of the intrusion layer, v g The velocity of gas flowing out of the catalyst layer.

[0071] ,

[0072] Among them, v O2 / H2 X represents the flow rates of hydrogen and oxygen exiting the catalyst layer, calculated using Faraday's law. H2O This represents the mole fraction of water vapor in the gas.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment of the method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, the water absorption and swelling catalyst layer invasion rate v cl (i) The velocity is proportional to the thrust.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment of the method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, the one-dimensional electrolysis model is a model constructed based on electrochemical reaction kinetics and mass and heat transfer principles.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, the error of the change in electrolyzer performance degradation over time is less than 3%.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment of the method for predicting the decline in the operating performance of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, there is a pressure difference from the inside to the outside inside the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer. Under the action of the pressure difference, the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer moves towards the porous transport layer.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment of the method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, the pore size of the porous transport layer is larger than that of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer.

[0078] A system for implementing the method includes:

[0079] The modeling module establishes an equivalent two-dimensional model of the catalyst layer invading the porous transport layer based on the gas-driven water absorption and expansion of the catalyst layer during the operation of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. In this model, the porous transport layer fibers are simplified to circular structures, and the spacing h between adjacent fibers is calculated based on the porosity ε and fiber radius r of the porous transport layer.

[0080] ,

[0081] The calculation module sets the intrusion thickness δ. + The computational domain is divided into m equal segments d. i , so that δ + =m•d i Calculate the change in intrusion thickness over time. Combined with each segment d i The required invasion time was summed to obtain a curve showing the change in catalyst layer invasion thickness over time.

[0082] ,

[0083] Where ΔP(i) is the pressure loss of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer, K(i) is the absolute permeability of the catalyst layer, δ is the original thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer, and δ * (i) represents the average expansion thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer, ε cl V represents the initial porosity of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer. ion k represents the initial volume fraction of the ionomer in the water-absorbing and swelling catalyst layer. t For reference thrust coefficient;

[0084] The prediction module inputs the thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer after invasion into a one-dimensional electrolysis model to obtain the change in the electrolyzer's operating performance over time.

[0085] A computer storage medium including computer instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method.

[0086] An electronic device, the electronic device comprising:

[0087] Memory, processor, and computer programs stored in memory and executable on the processor, wherein,

[0088] The processor implements the method when executing the program.

[0089] In one embodiment, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is a highly efficient water electrolysis hydrogen production device. Internally, an oxygen evolution reaction occurs at the anode, and a hydrogen evolution reaction occurs at the cathode. During operation, the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is immersed in liquid water. The ionomers in the catalyst layer absorb water and soften, leading to a decrease in the structural strength of the catalyst layer. Simultaneously, the oxygen and hydrogen produced by electrolysis continuously flow from the catalyst layer to the porous transport layer. According to Darcy's law, a pressure difference exists from the inside to the outside of the catalyst layer. Under the influence of this pressure difference, the catalyst layer moves towards the porous transport layer. Since the pore size of the porous transport layer is larger than that of the catalyst layer, the catalyst layer gradually invades the pores of the porous transport layer, causing a change in the thickness of the catalyst layer.

[0090] The thickness variation of the catalyst layer intruding into the porous transport layer directly affects the operating performance and service life of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and this effect is most pronounced in the initial stages of operation. Therefore, accurately calculating the relationship between this intrusion thickness and time is crucial for the design, optimization, and maintenance of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers. However, existing technologies lack a method to effectively calculate the change in the thickness of the catalyst layer intruding into the porous transport layer over time, thus failing to provide a reliable basis for the performance analysis of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers.

[0091] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer during the initial operation phase. Based on Darcy's law, the method calculates the intrusion thrust and, considering the high viscosity and elasticity of the catalyst layer, provides a correlation formula between the intrusion velocity and the thrust. By calculating the time consumed by the intrusion, the thickness variation curve over time can be obtained. The thickness of the intruded catalyst layer is then substituted into a one-dimensional electrolysis model to calculate the performance degradation of the electrolyzer during the initial operation phase, providing support for the performance research and optimization of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers.

[0092] The specific capabilities are described using an anode with iridium dioxide / titanium dioxide as the catalyst and platinum-plated titanium felt as the porous transport layer, and a cathode with a platinum / carbon catalyst and carbon paper as the porous transport layer.

[0093] A method for predicting performance degradation in the initial stage of operation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, the steps of which include:

[0094] S1: As Figure 2Based on the theory that the gas generated during the operation of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer will drive the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer, an equivalent two-dimensional model of the catalyst layer invading the porous transport layer is established. The invading process is simplified into a two-dimensional model, in which the fibers of the porous transport layer are circular in the two-dimensional model. The distance h between the fibers is calculated according to the porosity of the porous transport layer, as shown in equation (1):

[0095] (1)

[0096] In the formula, r is the radius of the fiber in the porous transport layer, and ε is the porosity of the porous transport layer.

[0097] S2: As Figure 3 Given an intrusion thickness δ + As a computational domain, and dividing it into m equal segments such that δ + =m•d i .

[0098] S3: Calculate the change in intrusion thickness over time, which requires accumulating the time for each segment of intrusion, d. i The time consumed is given by equation (2):

[0099] (2)

[0100] Among them, v cl (i) represents the intrusion velocity of the catalyst layer. Due to the softening effect of ionomers in the catalyst layer, it exhibits properties of both a high-viscosity fluid and an elastic entity. For high-viscosity fluids, the flow velocity can be considered directly proportional to the thrust during low-speed flow. For elastic entities, according to Hooke's Law, the thrust coefficient is inversely proportional to the ratio of the average expansion thickness to the original thickness. Furthermore, since the elastic deformation in the catalyst layer mainly originates from ionomers, the higher the proportion of ionomers, the more difficult the elastic deformation becomes. Therefore, the thrust coefficient is also inversely proportional to the proportion of ionomers. Thus, v cl (i) By using formula (3) to calculate and recording the time consumed by segments 1 to m, the thickness variation curve over time can be obtained.

[0101] (3)

[0102] Where ΔP(i) is the pressure loss of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer, K(i) is the absolute permeability of the catalyst layer, δ is the original thickness of the catalyst layer, and δ * (i) represents the average expansion thickness of the catalyst layer, ε cl V represents the initial porosity of the catalyst layer. ion k represents the initial volume fraction of the ionomer in the catalyst layer. t The reference thrust coefficient is determined by the properties of the ionomer.

[0103] The pressure loss ΔP(i) of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer is divided into the pressure loss ΔP of the gas in the non-intrusion layer. δ (i) and the gas pressure loss ΔP in the intrusion layer + (i), where the non-intrusive layer is calculated by equations (4)-(7):

[0104] (4)

[0105] (5)

[0106] (6)

[0107] (7)

[0108] The calculation of the intrusion layer is quite complex. Therefore, the intrusion layer is divided into n small segments such that n•d j =i•d i Calculated from equations (8)-(11)

[0109] (8)

[0110] (9)

[0111] (10)

[0112] (11)

[0113] µ in equations (4) and (8) g Let v be the dynamic viscosity of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer. In equation (5), v δ ν is the average flow velocity of the gas in the non-intrusion layer. In equation (9), v + (j) represents the average gas velocity in each segment of the intrusion layer. v in equations (4) and (9) g Let be the velocity of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer. Calculated using equation (12).

[0114] (12)

[0115] Among them, v O2 / H2 X represents the flow rates of hydrogen and oxygen exiting the catalyst layer, calculated using Faraday's law. H2O This represents the mole fraction of water vapor in the gas.

[0116] S4: By substituting the thickness of the intruded catalyst layer into the one-dimensional electrolysis model, it is possible to calculate the change in performance degradation of the electrolyzer during the initial stage of operation over time. For example... Figure 4By comparing the relative errors of the predicted and experimental values ​​of electrolysis voltage over time under two iridium content conditions, it can be seen that the errors are all less than 3% within 1,000 hours, which proves that the model has high prediction accuracy.

[0117] This invention can calculate the change in the thickness of the catalyst layer invading the porous transport layer over time. By incorporating this into a one-dimensional electrolysis model, it can predict the performance decline of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer in the early stages of operation. This provides an important basis for the design optimization, operation and maintenance, and performance evaluation of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers, thereby improving the operational stability and service life of the electrolyzer.

[0118] Furthermore, this invention establishes an equivalent two-dimensional model of the catalytic layer invading the porous transport layer, simplifying the process of the catalytic layer invading the porous transport layer into a two-dimensional model. The porous transport layer fibers are modeled as circular structures, and the spacing h between adjacent fibers is calculated based on their porosity ε and fiber radius r. This simplifies the complex three-dimensional structure. The porous transport layer has a complex internal structure and uneven pore distribution; two-dimensional modeling effectively reduces computational complexity and improves simulation efficiency. Providing geometric boundary conditions and establishing a reasonable geometric model is the foundation for subsequent derivation of the mechanical relationships in the invasion process, helping to accurately describe the interaction between the catalytic layer and the porous transport layer. Facilitating quantitative analysis, the simplified two-dimensional model is beneficial for parametric studies of the invasion process, such as analyzing the impact of porosity changes on invasion behavior. The invasion thickness is divided into multiple segments, and the invasion time is calculated segment by segment, with a total invasion thickness δ set. + The computational domain is divided into m equal segments d. i (i.e. δ) + =m•d i Then calculate d for each segment. i The required time. Dynamic process modeling is achieved; intrusion is a time-evolving process. Segmented processing allows for gradual tracking of thickness changes, constructing a complete thickness-time curve. Prediction accuracy is improved; independent calculation for each segment considers local material properties and fluid resistance variations, avoiding errors from using a single average value. Nonlinear analysis is supported; the intrusion velocity of the catalyst layer may change nonlinearly over time, and segmented processing better adapts to this nonlinear behavior. The pressure loss ΔP(i) generated by gas flow is calculated based on Darcy's law, and combining the dual properties of high-viscosity fluids and elastic entities, an intrusion velocity v is proposed. cl (i) and thrust F tThe relationship is used to calculate the invasion rate. It reveals the physical mechanism, linking the invasion process to gas flow and material deformation mechanisms, explaining the reasons for performance degradation from a physical perspective. It integrates multidisciplinary theories, comprehensively applying fluid mechanics (Darcy's law) and solid mechanics (Hooke's law), improving the model's scientific rigor and applicability. It provides quantitative prediction tools; the derived formulas can be used for quantitative prediction under different operating conditions, supporting electrolyzer design optimization. The catalytic layer thickness at different time points is incorporated into the one-dimensional electrochemical model to simulate the changes in electrolyzer voltage, efficiency, and other performance parameters over time. This enables performance degradation prediction; thickness changes directly affect key factors such as the catalytic active region and ion transport paths, thus affecting electrolysis efficiency and voltage stability. It supports operation and maintenance decisions, predicting performance degradation trends in advance, which helps in formulating reasonable operation strategies and maintenance plans, extending equipment life. The effectiveness of the method is verified; by comparing experimental data, the accuracy of the model's prediction results can be verified, enhancing confidence in engineering applications. The invasion layer is further divided into n small segments d. j The pressure loss ΔP of the gas within the intrusion layer is calculated using a piecewise integration method. + (i) Improve model resolution to capture gas flow behavior in the intrusion region with finer granularity, thereby enhancing the overall model's sophistication. Adapt to local structural changes; the catalyst layer structure changes during intrusion, and segmented calculations can reflect the impact of these changes on airflow resistance. Enhance model robustness by avoiding error accumulation caused by using uniform assumptions, making the entire prediction process more stable and reliable. Calculate the hydrogen / oxygen generation rate v using Faraday's law. O2 / H2 And combined with the mole fraction of water vapor in the gas X H2O Calculate the total gas outflow velocity v g The relationship between electrochemical reactions and flow behavior is linked by Faraday's law, which directly connects current density and gas yield, and is crucial for establishing a bridge between gas flow and electrolysis conditions. Considering the influence of humidity, the presence of water vapor significantly affects gas dynamics; this is factored into X. H2O The model's environmental adaptability has been improved. It supports multi-parameter coupled analysis; flow velocity calculation is a fundamental input parameter for multiple sub-models such as pressure loss and intrusion velocity, and its accuracy directly affects the overall prediction quality.

[0119] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and application fields described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and instructive, and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms based on the guidance of this specification and without departing from the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention, and all of these are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: An equivalent two-dimensional model of the catalyst layer invading the porous transport layer was established based on the gas-driven water absorption and expansion of the catalyst layer during the operation of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. In this model, the porous transport layer fibers are simplified to circular structures, and the spacing h between adjacent fibers is calculated based on the porosity ε and fiber radius r of the porous transport layer. ， Set the intrusion thickness δ + The computational domain is divided into m equal segments d. i , so that δ + =m•d i Calculate the change in intrusion thickness over time. Combined with each segment d i The required invasion time was summed to obtain a curve showing the change in catalyst layer invasion thickness over time. ， Where ΔP(i) is the pressure loss of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer, K(i) is the absolute permeability of the catalyst layer, δ is the original thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer, and δ * (i) represents the average expansion thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer, ε cl V represents the initial porosity of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer. ion k represents the initial volume fraction of the ionomer in the water-absorbing and swelling catalyst layer. t For reference thrust coefficient; By incorporating the thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer after invasion into a one-dimensional electrolysis model, the change in the electrolyzer's operating performance over time was obtained.

2. The method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Preferably, the pressure loss of the gas flowing out of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer includes the pressure loss of the non-intrusion layer gas ΔP. δ (i) and the gas pressure loss ΔP in the intrusion layer + (i) According to Darcy's law for gases, the non-intrusion layer gas pressure loss ΔP δ (i) is: ， ， ， ， Divide the intrusion layer into n small segments such that n•d j =i•d i Intrusion layer gas pressure loss ΔP + (i) is; ， ， ， ， µ g v is the dynamic viscosity of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer. δ v is the average flow velocity of the gas in the non-intrusion layer. + (j) represents the average gas velocity in each small segment of the intrusion layer, v g The velocity of gas flowing out of the catalyst layer. ， Among them, v O2 / H2 X represents the flow rates of hydrogen and oxygen exiting the catalyst layer, calculated using Faraday's law. H2O This represents the mole fraction of water vapor in the gas.

3. The method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Water absorption and expansion catalyst layer invasion rate v cl (i) The velocity is proportional to the thrust.

4. The method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one-dimensional electrolysis model is a model constructed based on electrochemical reaction kinetics and mass and heat transfer principles.

5. The method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The error in the change of electrolytic cell operating performance over time is less than 3%.

6. The method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a pressure difference from the inside to the outside inside the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer. Under the action of the pressure difference, the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer moves towards the porous transport layer.

7. The method for predicting the performance degradation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pore size of the porous transport layer is larger than that of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer.

8. A system for implementing the method of any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It includes: The modeling module establishes an equivalent two-dimensional model of the catalyst layer invading the porous transport layer based on the gas-driven water absorption and expansion of the catalyst layer during the operation of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. In this model, the porous transport layer fibers are simplified to circular structures, and the spacing h between adjacent fibers is calculated based on the porosity ε and fiber radius r of the porous transport layer. ， The calculation module sets the intrusion thickness δ. + The computational domain is divided into m equal segments d. i , so that δ + =m•d i Calculate the change in intrusion thickness over time. Combined with each segment d i The required invasion time was summed to obtain a curve showing the change in catalyst layer invasion thickness over time. ， Where ΔP(i) is the pressure loss of the gas flowing out of the catalyst layer, K(i) is the absolute permeability of the catalyst layer, δ is the original thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer, and δ * (i) represents the average expansion thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer, ε cl V represents the initial porosity of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer. ion k represents the initial volume fraction of the ionomer in the water-absorbing and swelling catalyst layer. t For reference thrust coefficient; The prediction module inputs the thickness of the water-absorbing and expanding catalyst layer after invasion into a one-dimensional electrolysis model to obtain the change in the electrolyzer's operating performance over time.

9. A computer storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium includes computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes: Memory, processor, and computer programs stored in memory and executable on the processor, wherein, When the processor executes the program, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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